This is a brief study of how the face of Jesus was slapped and hit and spit upon after His arrest.

1. JESUS WAS SLAPPED IN THE FACE
EDITED BY GLENN PEASE
John 18:22-23 22WhenJesus saidthis, one of the
officialsnearby slappedhim in the face. "Is this the
way you answer the high priest?"he demanded. 23"If
I said somethingwrong," Jesus replied, "testify as to
what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you
strike me?"
What Jesus Did! 'A Slap in the Face ofGod' — John 18:22-23
Then one of the Temple guards standing nearby slapped Jesus acrossthe face.
"Is that the way to answerthe high priest?" he demanded. Jesus replied, "If I
said anything wrong, you must prove it. But if I'm speaking the truth, why are
you beating me?"
— John 18:22-23 NLT
Key Thought
The Temple guard didn't know it at the time, but he was not only slapping the
face of a high priest far greaterthan the one he was protecting; he was also
slapping God in the face. Jesus sufferedmany indignities in his trial and
crucifixion. However, it was a greatertragedy that those who inflicted these
horrible cruelties never had any idea that they were abusing the Son of God,
the MessiahthatGod had sent to redeem them. Yet Jesus suffered these

2. indignities so that we could know that he loves us and will help us in our times
of rejectionand need!
Today's Prayer
Father, thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you for your patience. Thank
you for your long-suffering kindness. Thank you for your overwhelming
grace. I see these qualities demonstratedin Jesus'willingness to submit to
humiliation, abuse, and torture so that the very ones who hurt him could come
to know you as their Fatherand find your saving grace. I know that same
grace is given to me. I praise you and thank you in Jesus'name. Amen.
BIBLEHUB RESOURCES
Biblical Illustrator
One of the officers which stoodby struck Jesus.
John 18:22, 23
One struck Jesus
W. Grant.
I. THE INCIDENT OF OUR TEXT:"One of the officers struck Jesus,"
Observe —
1. The circumstances.
2. All its aggravations.(1)The prisoner at the bar was struck — while yet only
on trial, when no evidence had been found againsthim.(2) By one of the
officers who were there to see that justice was done, an officerof the high
priest, the highestminister of God.(3)In open court, in presence of the
judge.(4) Without one word of rebuke from the high priest.(5) Merely because
He refused to reply to ensnaring questions, and because with dignity and

3. unanswerable argument He had appealed to the law which demanded that no
man should be condemned except"at the mouth of two or three witnesses."
3. What followed. Trivial as the blow may have been, leaving no mark, —
lightly as we might esteemit when compared with the agonyof the gardenor
of the Cross, it was the only incident in His life of suffering that drew forth
from Jesus one resentful word (ver. 23). He denied not that "He was made
under the law," nor refused to be tried by the law. But He was not made
under the priest nor the officerapart from the law, and would not be
questioned by the one nor struck by the other contrary to the law. He could
well have borne it; but, foreseeing thatmany of His people would afterwards
be subjected to wrongs like this, He resentedand rebuked it that they might
know what His feelings were, and how they should actamid wanton outrage
and gross injustice.
II. THE LEADING LESSONS WHICH IT TEACHES.
1. By a very touching example it teaches us that the human sympathy of Jesus
is true and tender. We have not an High Priestwho cannot be touched with
the feeling of our infirmities, &c. It is not enough to say that He was tried, He
was "touched;" He felt under trials as we do. He then canenter into our
feelings and sympathise with us. In this one indignant saying, we see the
bosom of Jesus throbbing with feelings that are all our own.
III. HIS STRANGE FORBEARANCETOWARDSTHE TRANSGRESSOR.
Twice in Scripture we find examples of insult and injury like this (Jeremiah
20:1-4; Acts 23:1-4). In both these cases, as in our text, these men of God
resentedthe wantonoutrage done to them. But while they resentedthe wrong,
they denounced vengeance againstthe wrong-doers. Buthere, though the
outrage was as great, and the dignity of the outragedfar greater, He
denounced no woe againstthe offender, He sparedhim if perchance he might
repent and be converted. Perhaps that officera few weeks laterheard Peter
on the day of Pentecost. How greatwas the forbearance of Christ! How
assuredis the hope of welcome still to eachreturning sinner!
1. The sin and shame of the man who strikes Jesus. Terrible was the sin of this
man. But you say, "We have not been — we cannotbe — guilty of sin like

4. this." Yes we may be — most of us have been. How so?(1)At every blow we
have struck at any of His disciples the Lord has said, "Saul, Saul, why
persecutestthou Me?"(2)Everywilful sin is an injury done to Him. Our sins
put Him to open shame and make His wounds to bleed afresh.
(W. Grant.)
Smiting Jesus
David Roberts, D. D.
It is marvellous that any man could smite Jesus. Investedas He was with all
powerand authority, the daring audacity of the miscreant in smiting Jesus is
most astounding.
1. It might have been thought that fear would have withheld man from
smiting Him. He who had quelled the fierce tempest with the word of His
mouth was not one to be smitten. He who had spokento the very devils,
causing them to rush terror-striken out of those whom they had possessed,
exclaiming, "What have we to do with Thee, Thou Jesus of Nazareth? Art
Thou come to destroyus?" The worm fortifying himself againstthe Almighty!
With one breath He could have hurled him into eternity.
2. It were reasonable to suppose that respectwould have restrainedhim. This
One receivedthe obedience and homage of every creature. Was it not
reasonable to expectthat they should "respectthe Son," though they had
beaten some of the servants and caststones at others, while they had killed
some and shamefully handled others:disrespecting all? Verily, we would
expectthe Son should be respected. He was the meekestandgentlestthat ever
trod our earth. He could have gone amongstthe young unicorns, not one
would have butted Him; the most furious dogs would not have moved their
tongues againstHim. There was not a bear that would have put its paw on
Him; nor a lion that would have put its claw on Him. He was the Second
Adam with no more enmity in any creature againstHim than there was
againstAdam before his fall. And no creature would have smitten Him except
man.

5. 3. It might have been expectedthat gratitude would have stayed the man from
committing such an act. Here stoodthe greatestBenefactorthe world ever
beheld. He came here loadedwith gifts. Are there not sufficient about to strike
to-day? The Powers ofDarknesswill smite with all their force to-day. The
Powers ofDarkness willcome out againstMe this day; but that is not
surprising. I also came out againstthem. Hell is going to strike the blow in its
own defence. Its arm is raisedagainstan enemy. But why dost thou smite Me?
I am come forth in thy favour, defence, interest. I am thy Friend. The law is
going to strike to-day. But I am about to stand in a position in which it cannot
avoid smiting Me. Justice unsheaths (whets)its swordto strike to-day. But
Justice is armed with authority to strike. Who gave to thee this authority. My
Father is going to strike. It pleaseththe Lord to bruise Me. I am to be smitten
of God and afflicted. But there are eternal benefits to result from this. I am to
be strickenfor the transgressions ofmen, and to be bruised for their
iniquities. But myriads shall be healed with these stripes, and this
chastisementwill prove the peace ofmany. But why dost thou smite Me?
Whilst many stand amazed at the cruelty of this man in smiting Christ in the
court, there are thousands amongstus who treat Him in preciselythe same
manner.That doeth the backsliderdaily.
1. It was the rashness of the high priest's servant, fired by his zeal for his
master, which incited him to strike the blow. But the backslidersmites Christ
in coolblood, taking care to find the most tender spot; he smites Him "in the
apple of His eye."
2. The high priest's servant smote Him but once. But many a man persists in
striking blow after blow. The moment He is up he strikes again, keeping Him
down continually: He is at this moment trampled under his feet!
3. This officialstruck the Lord in his ignorance. Had he knownHim he would
not have thus treatedHim. The backslidercanhave no doubt respecting Him.
Wilfully does he strike Him after receiving a knowledge ofthe truth.Being
once enlightened he puts the Son of God to an open shame "Why dost thou
smite Him?"
1. Has He not been sufficiently smitten? Dostthou wish to add to His wounds?

6. 2. Do not smite Him more. Forbear, lestHe be angry, lest His wrath be
kindled but a little; for should He strike thou shalt perish from the way. No
blow destroys a man until He smites.
3. Extend thy hand to Him. Tell Him thou art sorry, and that thou wilt never
smite Him again. Do this, and He will forgive all thy former blows.
(David Roberts, D. D.)
Jesus smitten
C. Simeon.
The narrative shows —
I. HOW RELIGION IS OPPOSED.
1. With inveterate prejudice.
2. With licentious violence.
3. With hypocritical pretences.
II. HOW IT IS TO BE MAINTAINED.
1. With undaunted firmness.
2. With unruffled patience. From the whole learn —
(1)What to expect.
(2)How to act.
(C. Simeon.)
The hand that struck Jesus
When Henry Martyn was at Shirez, in Persia, translating the New Testament,
he seems to have been delighted with the following incident, which he notices

7. in his journal (June 28, 1811):— "The poor boy while writing how one of the
servants of the high priest struck the Lord in the face, stopped and said, 'Sir,
did not his hand dry up?'"
The horror of smiting Jesus
C. Stanford, D. D.
King Croesus had a son who was dumb all his days until the siege ofSardis,
when, seeing a Persiansoldier rush to strike the king, this dumb sonof his
found his voice, and cried, "Man, kill not Croesus!" This burst of anguish
broke the impediment, and he spoke for the first time in his life. As I enter
into the spirit of the fact, and seemto see a contemptible slave strike the face
of Jesus, a fiery sting strikes my own face, I feelmy heart burst, and my brow
burn; it seems to me that had I been dumb, and a witness of this deed, I
should have spokenout! So any Christian is ready to say.
(C. Stanford, D. D.)
Treatment of insults
Bryardine, a missionary to Grenoble, was enforcing the duty of forgiving our
enemies, when he perceived that a large portion of his audience consistedof
soldiers. Anxious to denounce duelling, and seeing that the military were
strongly excited, he said, "Perhaps some high-spirited soldier burns to ask
how a humble missionary caneven conceive how a man of honour feels when
he has been outragedby a blow? I am prepared to confess that I know not
what those feelings are; and my knowledge is derived from a book that
describes the worstof all insults with an indignation at leastequal to what
modern honour caninspire. I have been taught by my Bible how a blow may
be felt, and how it should be resented. The Bible informs me that the Saviour
of the world, without a murmur againstHis executioners, submitted to all that
could embitter the agonies ofdeath. It was not until He receiveda blow that

8. He condescendedto open His mouth. And what said He then? Let the Bible
tell us, and let the duellist, if he can, surpass the example.
Non-retaliationthe Christian's victory
In the Christian combat, not the striker, as in the Olympian contest, but he
who is struck, wins the crown. This is the law in the celestialtheatre, where
angels are the lookers-on.
( Chrysostom.)
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
(22) With the palm of his hand.—The Greek word occurs againin the New
Testamentonly in John 19:3, and Mark 14:65 (see Note there, and on
Matthew 26:67). It is uncertain whether it means here a blow with the hand
or, as the margin renders it, “with a rod.” The word originally means a stroke
with a rod, but in classicalusage it acquired also the meaning of a slapin the
face, or box on the ear, and the corresponding verb is certainly used in this
sense in Matthew 5:39. We may gatherfrom Acts 23:2 that a blow on the face
was a customarypunishment for a supposedoffence againstthe dignity of the
high priest; but in that case it was ordered by the high priest himself, and the
fact that it was here done without authority by one of the attendants confirms
the opinion that this was not a legaltrial before the judicial authority.
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
18:13-27 Simon Peterdenied his Master. The particulars have been noticed in
the remarks on the other Gospels. The beginning of sin is as the letting forth
of water. The sin of lying is a fruitful sin; one lie needs another to support it,
and that another. If a call to expose ourselves to danger be clear, we may hope
God will enable us to honour him; if it be not, we may fearthat God will leave

9. us to shame ourselves. Theysaid nothing concerning the miracles of Jesus, by
which he had done so much good, and which proved his doctrine. Thus the
enemies of Christ, whilst they quarrel with his truth, wilfully shut their eyes
againstit. He appeals to those who heard him. The doctrine of Christ may
safelyappeal to all that know it, and those who judge in truth bear witness to
it. Our resentmentof injuries must never be passionate. He reasonedwith the
man that did him the injury, and so may we.
Barnes'Notes on the Bible
One of the officers - One of the inferior officers, or those who attended on the
court.
With the palm, of his hand - This may mean: "Gave him a blow either with
the open hand or with a rod" - the Greek does not determine which. In
whateverway it was done, it was a violation of all law and justice. Jesus had
showedno disrespectfor the office of the high priest, and if he had, this was
not the proper way to punish it. The Syriac reads thus: "Smote the cheek of
Jesus." The Vulgate and Arabic: "Gave him a blow."
Jamieson-Fausset-BrownBible Commentary
22. struck Jesus with the palm … AnswerestThou the high priest so—(See Isa
50:6; and compare Ac 23:2). (Also see on [1898]Mr14:54.)
Matthew Poole's Commentary
This lets us see in what indecent disorder the Jewishgovernmentwas at this
time, that an inferior officerdared to strike a supposedcriminal, standing
before the judgment seat, and defending himself by their own known rules
and methods; for what had our Saviour said or done, more than making use
of the liberty their own law allowed;not confessing anything againsthimself,
but putting them upon the proof of what they laid to his charge? Yet we read
of no notice takenof this disorder.
Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible
And when he had thus spoken,.... Whatwas so right and reasonable, in so
becoming a manner, without heat or passion:

10. one of the officers which stoodby; it may be one of those who had been sentto
him and had been a hearer of him, whom Jesus might look wistfully at, or
point unto, when he said the above words, at which he might be provoked:
and therefore
stroke Jesus with the palm of his hand; or gave him a rap with a rod, or smote
him with a staff, as some think, is the sense of the phrase; though the Syriac,
agreeablyto our version, reads it, he smote him, , "upon his cheek";gave him,
what we commonly call, a slapon the face;and which is always esteemeda
very greataffront, and was a piece of rudeness and insolence to the last degree
in this man:
saying, answerestthou the high priest so? This he said, as well as gave the
blow, either out of flattery to the high priest, or to clearhimself from being a
favourer of Christ; which, by what had been said, he might think would be
suspected:some have thought this was Malchus, whose earChrist had healed;
if so, he was guilty of greatingratitude.
Geneva Study Bible
And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stoodby struck Jesus
with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerestthou the high priest so?
EXEGETICAL(ORIGINAL LANGUAGES)
Meyer's NT Commentary
John 18:22-23. Whetherῥάπισμα is a blow on the face, box on the ear(so
usually), or stroke with a rod (Beza, Bengel, Godet), cannotbe decided. Comp.
on Matthew 26:67. But the former, because the blow was wont to be the
chastisementfor an impudent speech(comp. Acts 23:2), is the more probable,
and δέρεις is not opposedto it (2 Corinthians 11:20). That which here one of
the officers of justice, who stoodin waiting (see the critical notes), takes upon
himself for the honour of his master (“fortis percussoretmollis adulator,”
Rupert.), can hardly be conceivedas taking place in an orderly sitting of the
Sanhedrim before the acting high priest (in Acts 23:2 it is done at the
command of the latter), but rather at an extra-judicial sitting.

11. οὕτως]So unbecomingly (Fritzsche, ad Marc. p. 150 f.; Bremi, ad Lys. et
Aesch. p. 124, 355);comp. on 1 Corinthians 5:3.
John 18:23. Important for the ethicalidea expressedin Matthew 5:39.[214]
Comp. the note on Matthew 5:41.
μαρτύρησον]bear witness. He must, in truth, have been an ear-witness.
[214]Luther: “This thou shouldest therefore understand, that there is a great
difference betweenthese two; to turn the cheek to the one, and with words to
punish him who strikes us. Christ must suffer, but nevertheless the word is
put in His mouth, that He should speak and punish what is wrong. Therefore,
I should separate the mouth and the hand from one another.”
Expositor's Greek Testament
John 18:22. Ταῦτα … ἀρχιερεῖ;ῥάπισμα. The older meaning of ῥαπίζειν was
“to strike with a rod” sc. ῥαβδίζειν;but in later Greek it meant “to give a
blow on the cheek with the open hand”. This is put beyond doubt by Field,
Otium Noru., p. 71;cf. Rutherford’s New Phryn., p. 257. R.V[90]marg. “with
a rod” is not an improvement on R.V[91]text.
[90] RevisedVersion.
[91] RevisedVersion.
Cambridge Bible for Schools andColleges
22. struck Jesus with the palm of his hand] Literally, gave a blow, and the
word for ‘blow’ (elsewhere John19:3, Mark 14:65 only) etymologicallymeans

12. a ‘blow with a rod,’ but is also usedfor a ‘blow with the open hand.’ The word
used for ‘smite’ in John 18:23 is slightly in favour of the former: but Matthew
5:39 and Acts 23:2 are in favour of the latter.
Bengel's Gnomen
John 18:22. Ῥάπισμα, a stroke)with a rod or stick [Engl. Vers. “with the palm
of his hand”]. Comp. ch. John 19:3, note; [not as Engl. Vers. “Theysmote
Him with their hands,” but with a reed, as appears from Mark 15:19; or else
with rods, as appears from] Matthew 26:67, where ἐκολάφισανis the word
used to express blows with the hand; ἐῤῥάπισαν, blows with rods, which the
servants had, note, Mark 14:65.—οὓτως, so)in such a manner. He was not
able to impugn the truth itself; he wishes to indicate that Jesus erredin the
manner, as eachmost innocent person is often accusedby the unjust. But
Jesus defends even His manner, declaring that He has spoken, not ill, but well.
Pulpit Commentary
Verse 22. - And when he had said these things, one of the officers standing by,
anxious to win with his officious zeal the approval of his master, gave Jesus a
ῤάπισμα. (Meyer says it cannotbe settledwhether this word means a stroke
with a rod (as Godet, Bengel)or a blow on the cheek or ear, which was the
current punishment for a word supposedto be insolent; but δέρεις of Ver. 23,
which means "to flay," implies a more severe punishment than a blow on the
face with the hand.) This is the beginning of the coarse and terrible mockery
which was the lot of the sublime Sufferer through the remaining hours of the
awful day which is now dawning on him. Saying, Answerestthou the high
priest so?
Vincent's Word Studies
Struck - with the palm of his hand (ἔδωκε ῥάπισμα)
Literally, gave a blow. Interpreters differ as to whether it was a blow with a
rod, or with the hand. The kindred verb ῥαπίζω, from ῥαπίς, a rod, is
etymologicallyrelatedto ῥαβδίζω, from ῥάβδος, a rod, and occurs Matthew
5:39, of smiting on the cheek, andMatthew 26:67, where it is distinguished
from κολαφίζω, to strike with the fist. This latter passage, however, leavesthe

13. question open, since, if the meaning to smite with a rod can be defended, there
is nothing to prevent its being understood there in that sense. The earlier
meaning of the word was, undoubtedly, according to its etymology, to smite
with a rod. So Herodotus of Xerxes. "It is certainthat he commanded those
who scourged(ῥαπι.ζοντας) the waters (of the Hellespont) to utter, as they
lashed them, these barbarian and wickedwords" (vii., 35). And again: "The
Corinthian captain, Adeimantus, observed, 'Themistocles, atthe games they
who start too soonare scourged (ῥαπίζονται)'" (viii., 59). It passes, in classical
Greek, from this meaning to that of a light blow with the hand. The
grammarian Phrynichus (A. D. 180)condemns the use of the word in the sense
of striking with the hand, or slapping, as not according to goodAttic usage,
and says that the proper expressionfor a blow on the cheek with the open
hand is ἐπὶ κόρρης πατάξαι. This shows that the un-Attic phrase had crept
into use. In the Septuagint the word is clearlyused in the sense ofa blow with
the hand. See Isaiah50:6 : "I gave my cheeks to blows (εἰς ῥαπι.σματα). Hosea
11:4, "As a man that smiteth (ῥαπίζων) upon his cheeks"(A.V. and Rev., that
take off the yoke on their jaws). In 1 Kings 22:24, we read, "Zedekiah - smote
Micaiahon the cheek (ἐπάταξε ἐπὶ τὴν σιαγόνα)." The word in John 18:23,
δέρεις, literally, flayest, hence, do beat or thrash (compare Luke 12:47), seems
better to suit the meaning strike with a rod; yet in 2 Corinthians 11:20, that
verb is used of smiting in the face (εἰς πρόσωπον δέρει), and in 1 Corinthians
9:27, where Paul is using the figure of a boxer, he says, "So fight I((πυκτεύω,
of boxing, or fighting with the fists), not as one that beateth (δέρων) the air."
These examples practicallydestroy the force of the argument from δέρεις. It is
impossible to settle the point conclusively;but, on the whole, it seems as well
to retain the rendering of the A.V. and Rev.
END BIBLEHUB RESOURCES
A slap in the face

14. While Jesus is in the “court” of Annas, one of the men present doesn’t like the
words or tone that Jesus is using and physically rebukes Him by slapping Him
in the face.
This horrifies us to think of a man, any man, raising his hand to slap Godin
the face. Butis this really so different than the slapin the face of Peter’s
denial of Jesus? InJohn 13 Peterargued with Christ that he would die rather
than deny Jesus, but in these same verses where Jesus is being physically
slapped by a member of Anna’s court, Peteris in the act of denying Jesus.
Isn’t it something eachof us do when we argue with God? When we decide
we know more about how things should be and begin thinking of prayer as
giving direction to God to “geton board’ with our plans and back us up?
Isn’t it what we do when we use God’s name in vain? When we try to bargain
with God in prayer? When we sayone thing and do another? When we
profess to be in the light, but secretlyturn to the darkness as soonas no one is
looking?
I think part of the reasonthis scene in the courtyard is so striking to us is
because we too often see that our place in the narrative is not Annas, not
Jesus, notthe soldiers by the fire or the girl by the gate, but the 2 people we
relate to the most are Peterand the slapping courtier.
But, these two men also provide a contrastin what they do after the slap.
Peterrepents and turns back and becomes a cornerstone in the church,
whereas the man in Annas court would have been one calling for Jesus’
crucifixion and not an individual we ever hearof becoming a part of the
church.
Just because we have sinned, evenas grievous of a sin as slapping Jesus in the
face with actions or words, we have the opportunity to follow the example of
Peter, repent and become restoredand strengthenedand to strengthen others
through the process.
My Answers:
9.

15. Arrogant, illegal, pompous, evil
10.
He was truthful through and through. He did not shy from the truth and
pointed out that He taught openly daily.
https://thenotesaregood.com/2017/03/26/24-4-john-a-slap-in-the-face/
The following is an excerptfrom The MacArthur New Testament
Commentary on Matthew 5.
“Whoeverslaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
(Matthew 5:39)
As human beings we have the right to be treated with basic dignity, respect,
and consideration. Becauseeveryperson is createdin His image, God
demands that we treat one another with respect. But he knows that we will not
always be so treated. Often for the very reasonthat we belong to God and go
by the name of His Son, we will be mistreated, ridiculed, and held in contempt
(see Matt. 10:16–23;John 15:18—16:3;1 Pet. 2:20–21;3:13–17;4:12–19;cf. 2
Tim. 3:12). It is the way we react to mistreatment and insult that Jesus is
talking about here.
Among Jews, a slapor other striking in the face was among the most
demeaning and contemptuous of acts (cf. Matt. 26:67–68;Mark 14:65;John
18:22). To strike someone elsewhere onthe body might cause more physical
harm, but a slapin the face was an attack on one’s honor and was considered
to be a terrible indignity. It was to be treated with disdain, as being less than a
human. Even a slave would rather have been stuck across the back with a
whip than be slapped in the face by his master’s hand.
To strike someone onthe right cheek would then be a vicious angry reaction,
indicating an actof insult. Yet when we are insulted, maligned, and treated

16. with contempt-literally or figuratively struck on the cheek by someone-we are
to turn to him the other also. But Jesus’point pertains more to what we are
not to do than what we are to do. Turning the other cheek symbolizes the
nonavenging, nonretaliatory, humble, and gentle spirit that is to characterize
kingdom citizens (cf. vv. 3, 5).
Jesus stronglyresistedevil that was directedagainstothers, especiallyHis
Father-as when He cleansedthe Temple of those who defiled His Father’s
house. But He did not resist by personalvengeance any evil directed at
Himself. When the leaders ofthe Sanhedrin, and later the soldiers, physically
abused Him and mockedHim, He did not retaliate either in words or in
actions (Matt. 26:67–68). As Isaiah had predicted of Him, Christ gave His
back to those who struck Him and His cheeks to those who plucked out His
beard (Isa. 50:6). As Jesus hung from the cross, He prayed, “Father, forgive
them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). Petersums up
our Lord’s example: “But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you
patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been calledfor
this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for
you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in
His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while
suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who
judges righteously” (1 Pet. 2:20–23).
When someone attacks ourright to dignity, we too are not to defend that right
by retaliation. We are to leave the protectionand defense of our dignity in
God’s hands, knowing that one day we will live and reign with him in His
kingdom in great glory.
When Life Slaps You in the Face
Rick / April 4, 2014 / Courage, Determination, Grace, Purpose,Resurrection

17. Share this:
(ReadJohn 18:18-22)
This morning we continue our series “Grace thatis Simply Amazing” by
continuing with our mini-series, “The Roadto the Resurrection.” Yesterday
we left off with Peter denying Christ to a little girl. Afterward, Peterstood
outside with the servants and police. Annas interrogated Jesus, questioning
His teachings and actions. Jesusresponded, “I’ve spokenopenly in public.
I’ve taught regularly in meeting places and the Temple, where the Jews all
come together. Everything has been out in the open. I’ve said nothing in
secret. So why are you treating me like a conspirator? Questionthose who
have been listening to me. They know wellwhat I have said. My teachings
have all been above board.” Jesus’response was straightforward, and while it
was strong, I don’t think it was disrespectful. However, one of the policemen
standing by did not like the way Jesus spoke to the High Priest, so he slapped
Jesus acrossthe face. Justimagining that scene makes me cringe.
When we think of Jesus, mostof the time, we think of the miraculous Jesus.
We think of the God-man who stopped a funeral processionwhen He met a
woman who was at her wits end. Her husband was dead and she was enroute
to burying her only son. Jesus had compassiononher and raisedher little
boy from the dead. We think of the God-man who lookedout at a vast crowd
who had followedHim (5,000 men, not counting the womenand children) and
who had compassionupon them when they were hungry. He took a little
boy’s lunch (2 fish and 5 loaves of bread) and fed the entire crowduntil they
were full. We think of the God-man who showedup at His friends’ house
(Mary and Martha) after their brother had been dead for four days and
whose body was alreadystinking. He had so much compassionfor them that
He cried. He went to the tomb, raised Lazarus from the dead, and loosedhim
from his grave clothes. We think of the God-man who walkedon waterand
met His disciples in the fourth watchof the night (3am-6am), when they were
tired, frustrated, and fearful. He met them where they were and He invited

18. Peterto walk on waterwith Him. We think of the God-man who met a
woman in church who wantedto straightenherself up, but she couldn’t. She
had been bent over for 18 years, but she was still worshipping God. Jesus
lookedat her, had compassion, andhealed her that very moment.
Mostof the time we think of the miraculous Jesus, the powerful Jesus, the
wonder-working Jesus. Butwhat about the Jesus who was whipped 39 times
with a catof 9 tails for us? What about the Jesus who was beatenso bad that
He was almost unrecognizable? Whatabout the Jesus in our text this
morning who was slapped in the face for us? This was also part of His life.
Jesus endured these and many more painful situations on the Roadto the
Resurrection.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. Life in Christ is not always easy. Life in Christ is not always full of water
walking, crowdfeeding, healing the sick and raising the dead. Sometimes life
in Christ means you have to face the unpleasantwith divine resolve.
Sometimes you are saying the right things, like Jesus did in the text, and you
are living in the centerof God’s will, like Jesus was in the text, and life will
still reachout and slap you across the face, like it did to Jesus! But don’t be
moved. Like Jesus, you have the grace to face whatevercomes your way!
2. You can find Pleasure in the Pain. There will be pain associatedwith your
purpose, but just as long as you know you are suffering the pain BECAUSE of
your assignment, you can find divine pleasure in it. Paul said, “I take
pleasure in my weaknesses, andin the insults, hardships, persecutions, and
troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2
Cor 12:10).

19. 3. You have the Grace to keepgoing. Paul said, “We often suffer, but we are
never crushed. Even when we don’t know what to do, we never give up. In
times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knockeddown, we get up
again” (2 Cor 4:8,9). Have you been slapped this week? Have you been
beaten this morning? Are you struggling to survive through the storm? Jesus
made it and so will you. When the world slaps you, the Holy Spirit gives you
the powerto take it and still make it!
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for reminding me of the Jesus I
don’t like to think about. The Jesus I often think about is the wonder-
working Jesus, the miraculous Jesus, the powerful Jesus. I love to think about
my Jesus who healedthe sick, raisedthe dead, causedthe blind to see, lame to
walk, dumb to speak, and deaf to hear. That’s my Jesus. Butmy Jesus is also
the Jesus who was wounded for my transgressions andbruised for my
iniquities. My Jesus is also the Jesus who took 39 lashes with a catof 9 tails.
My Jesus was slappedacrossthe face, eventhough He had done nothing
wrong. My Jesus was draggedfrom mock trial to mock trial, in the middle of
the night, without any true charges, andwithout any witnesses againstHim.
The world convicted the only innocent to ever live. That Jesus is also my
Jesus. So whenI face challenges, whenthe world reaches out and slaps me
across the face, I remember that Jesus and I keepgoing. Jesus facedpain on
the Roadto the Resurrection, andI will face pain on the road to my purpose.
But like Jesus, I will never give up. BecauseYou have given me the grace to
keepgoing. I declare this by faith. In Jesus’name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
http://todaysword.org/2014/04/04/when-life-slaps-you-in-the-face/
That Time I Slapped Jesus
February 10, 2015 ~ isalyssacasey

20. I just finished up reading the book of John, and honestly had forgotten what
an amazing book it was. It holds a very unique beauty when painting a picture
of who Jesus Christ is.
Within the past couple of weeks as I was reading John it felt as if I was falling
in love with Jesus all over again. Right from the beginning it hooks you.
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” — John 1:14
As Jesus steps onto the scene you can almosthear the excitement of John the
Baptist, it’s almost as if he is screaming “THIS IS THE GUY I WAS
TALKING ABOUT!”
The disciples drop everything in an instant to follow him, he turns waterinto
wine, and digs into the heart of the pharisee Nicodemus. Jesus is immediately
defined in importance, power, and influence. Justthe first three chapters
alone declare His holiness, and it set awe into my heart!
Then we see Jesus in His gentle yet stern confrontation of the Samaritan
woman. Though knee-deepin her sin, and considereda part of the despised
people to the Jews, He reaches outand gracefullyoffers her mercy and life.
He is gentle, kind, and abundantly loving. Yet He is stern, authoritative, and
unwavering. Jesus is mysterious, compassionate,and humble. We begin to
know Him as the source or life, as a healer, a shepherd and a teacher. We see
him comfort his people, wash his disciples feet, and his tears are near tangible
when He weeps. He is the hope well waitedfor, and brings joy in the deepest
of grief.
This is my Jesus. The Jesus I want to wrap my entire body around and
squeeze until it hurts because no matter how close I am, it’s not close enough.
This is the Jesus I love.
So I fall againso deeply in love, and then I read, “When Jesus saidthis one of
the officials nearby slapped him in the face” (John18:22)…. wait… what? My
jaw literally dropped. I knew it was coming. I know what happens. I’ve heard
the story hundreds of times, but it felt like my heart stopped. Everything
inside of me wanted to scream, “NO STOP!DON’T TOUCH MY JESUS

21. LIKE THAT!” They slapped Jesus?The same Jesus that healedthe beggar,
walkedon water, and fed the five thousand? It was as if I was reading it for
the first time. Though while I was reading it, my bones felt like they were
crying for His torment to end, I knew for Him to be my Savior.. it was
necessary.
I had to take a moment to weep.
But I soonrealized that my tears were not just for the disrespectand pain
inflicted upon my savior, but rather because the hand that slapped his face
may as well have been my own. I slapped my Jesus.
He took that slap, and many more. He took the beating, the whipping, the
crownof thorns, and hung on a cross because ofme. He took it for me.
My sin puts the whip, the hammer, and the nails into my hands, and drives me
to work them. My heart grieves this. Everything in me HATES this. But I
know it to be true, and there have been times where I have gladly done so.
Knowing this, He still graciouslybled to cleanme, and was brokento make
me whole.
But the most beautiful part of this is that after it all — after torture, torment,
and facing death — He rises from the grave, defeating death, and He still
wants that hug.
The hug where my entire body is wrapped around Him, squeezing Him until
it hurts, because no matter how close I am it’s not close enough.
It’s the sweetreminder that despite it all. He gladly whispers, “You are mine”
https://lifeofthedust.wordpress.com/2015/02/10/that-time-i-slapped-jesus/
Why did Jesus confrontthe officialwho had slapped Him in the presence of
the High Priest?
Ask Question

22. Asked3 years, 8 months ago
Active 3 years, 5 months ago
Viewed 1k times
2
John 18:20-23 (NIV) reads:
“I have spokenopenly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in
synagoguesorat the temple, where all the Jews come together. I saidnothing
in secret. Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what
I said.”
When Jesus saidthis, one of the officials nearby slapped him in the face. “Is
this the way you answerthe high priest?” he demanded.
“If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if
I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?”
One would be curious to know as to why Jesus confrontedthe official, who is
not recordedto have regrettedhis deed. Is there any officialinterpretation of
the saidpassage fromthe side of Catholic Church?
catholicismlife-of-jesus gospel-of-john
share
improve this question
edited Apr 19 '16 at 6:23

23. Up to what I hearedfrom catholics preachers,this
"""contradiction"""(becoaseofHim saying to offer your other cheek)is used
to correctlyexplain the christian charity comparedto the pacifism. – Nico
RodsevichFeb2 '16 at 13:17
BTW, are you catholic? Why do you use a non-catholic bible translation? –
Nico RodsevichFeb2 '16 at 13:18
1
Jesus isn't confronting him with the factthat the high priest struck him, he is
confronting the high priest with the fact that the high priest knew what Jesus
said was true but was rejecting it knowingly. One can turn the other cheek,
but still tell the personthey are wrong for hitting you. They are not mutually
contradictory. – Joshua Feb 2 '16 at 15:04
1
I think it was the officialwho slapped Jesus who confronted him, not the other
way around. Jesus merely responded to a slap in the face, which seems
reasonable. Note thatit is not the high priest who slapped Jesus, but someone
else. – James SheweyFeb3 '16 at 6:00
The question askedby the official is rhetorical, because he wasn't really
expecting Jesus to answer. It was a statement: "That's no way to speak to the
High Priest!". You often hear parents ask questions like, "Is that any way to
treat your sister?" orteachers, "Is that any way to behave?" It is a technique
used by those in authority to give the impression they're not giving orders or
exercising dominion over those in their charge.
The question having been asked, however, invited a response from Jesus. He
took the opportunity to give his interrogators something to think about in
regard to the legitimacy of their proceedings.

24. If the OP's intent was to challenge Jesus'behaviour as an example of not
practicing what he preached, then I am prepared to expand this answer.
Conclusion
Jesus wasn'tconfronting the official, but simply took the opportunity
provided by the official's question to move his interrogators to more carefully
considertheir actions. You know, to give their consciences a chance to ask,
"Does this man really deserve to be treatedthis way?"
There really is no avenue of escape from guilt for those who participated in
Jesus'trial. He gave them every opportunity to change their minds.
Jesus confrontedthe officialbecause he was and always will be testifying on
the side of the truth. Jesus alreadyknew what is going to happen - He will die
for all our sins - and maybe wantedto show the pharisee that he was a liar
and that he was judging him unfairly. There where no reasons for any
penalty.
WhateverJesus would do or sayHe was going to die.
We don't know what happened to that officialbut hopefully he repented and
found who really Jesus was.
Welcome!Thanks for contributing. If you'd like to strengthen your answer,
I'd recommend adding sources to show that this analysis doesn't merely
reflectyour opinion. I hope you'll take a minute to review how this site is
different from others, and better understand how your answercan be
supported. – Nathaniel Apr 19 '16 at 20:33
https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/46733/why-did-jesus-
confront-the-official-who-had-slapped-him-in-the-presence-of-the-h
Jesus GotSlapped

25. 1 Votes
Merriam-Websterdefines slapas to strike sharply with or as if with the open
hand. Wikipedia notes that the purpose of a slap is often to humiliate, more
than injure. A “slapin the face” is a common idiom, dating back to the late
1800s,that means to rebuke, rebuff or insult. Jesus GotSlapped. Just imagine
God incarnate allowing Himself to be slapped. The creatorsubjectedHimself
to His creation. Why? To bring glory and honor to God by atoning for the sins
of those who would come to know God through Christ.
John 18
19 Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus abouthis disciples and his
teaching.
20 “I have spokenopenly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in
synagoguesorat the temple, where all the Jews come together. I saidnothing
in secret. 21 Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know
what I said.”
22 When Jesus saidthis, one of the officials nearby slapped him in the face.
“Is this the way you answerthe high priest?” he demanded.

26. 23 “If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But
if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?” 24 Then Annas senthim bound
to Caiaphas the high priest.
Jesus GotSlapped because the man felt that Jesus was speaking to an
important officialdisrespectfully. Nevermind that the man was challenging
God in the flesh. I just had a conversationwith my sonabout how eternalthat
man’s sorrow must be. When was the last time you slapped Jesus? We slap
Jesus everytime we think that someone, including yourself, or something is
more important than He. As we do, Jesus ceasesto have first priority in our
lives or He continues to not have top priority in our lives. Either waywe slice
it, Jesus is not given His rightful place in our lives when we slap Him. Now,
how do you think Jesus will respond when the time of grace elapsesfrom
taking all of our slaps and insults? The Word tells us “41 The Son of Man will
send out his angels, and they will weedout of his kingdom everything that
causes sinand all who do evil. 42 They will throw them into the blazing
furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the
righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoeverhas
ears, let them hear.” Matthew 13:41-43 When Jesus weeds,will you be with
Him or awayfrom Him? If you spent your life slapping Jesus, youwill be
awayfrom Him where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.
While those are figurative slaps for us, have we really consideredthat when
we reject Him, His will or His waythat it is a slapin the face. Jesus leftglory,
became a man, subjected himself to that which He createdto bring salvation
to man. When we ignore His sacrifice, it is a slap in the face. When we do, it
can be said that Jesus GotSlapped. Is that how you want to live your life? If
not, surrender to Jesus and follow Him.
https://defranklin.wordpress.com/2014/12/23/jesus-got-slapped/
Bishop Fulton J. Sheen

27. True followers of Christ, be prepared to have a world make jokes at your
expense. You can hardly expecta world to be more reverent to you than to
Our Lord. When it does make fun of your faith, it’s practices, abstinences,
and rituals, then you are moving to a closeridentity with Him Who gave us
our faith. Not may you repay sneerwith sneer. We cannotfight God’s battles
with the weapons ofSatan. Repaying jeer with jeer is not the response of a
Christian, for under scornOur Lord “answerednothing” to Herod. The
world gets more of it’s amusement from a Christian who fails to be a
Christian, but none from his respectful silence.
The answerof Our Lord to Herod was that Our Lord continued to be Our
Lord. Dogs bay at the moon all night, but the moon gives back no snarl. It
goes onshining. Shine forth in thy white robe of mockery, O Christian. One
day it will be the robe of thy glory!
The Body of Christ in His Passion:Face Slappedin Mockery
Text: John 18:19-24
There was nothing legal, right, or moral about this at all. Nothing. After
Jesus had been betrayed by Judas and arrestedby a mob of likely several
hundred men, he was led off to the high priest Annas. First of all, it was
illegalfor the Jews to hold a trial at night. Secondof all, it was illegal to put a
man on trial the same day that he was arrested. This was doubly wrong to
begin with.
Next, the high priest mentioned here wasn’t actually the high priest. This pre-
trial of sorts was taking place in the court of a man named Annas. Annas had
been the Jewishhigh priest but the Romans had deposedhim around 15 A.D.,
about 15 years earlier. The high priest at the time was actuallyCaiphas, the
son-in-law of Annas.
This entire chunk of six verses tonight then presents one big charade. It was a
doubly illegaltrial. It was a pre-trial held before a man who was not the

28. actual, authoritative high priest. And the purpose was to probe for possible
guilt with Jesus and buy time while Caiaphas was quickly assembling the
Jewishcouncilfor the real trial (which would still be illegal).
John begins by telling us this about the faux pre-trial with Annas:
“Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus abouthis disciples and his
teaching.” We could imagine that Annas was foolishly hoping to trip up Jesus
and catchhim with some slip up. “Who are these disciples? Where did they
come from? Why are they following you? What are you telling them? What
are you telling them to do? What exactlyare you teaching?” Maybe he could
catchJesus on something that would incriminate him and make this trial
easierand faster.
But Jesus had nothing to hide. Verse 20: “I have spokenopenly to the
world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues orat the temple, where
all the Jews come together. Isaid nothing in secret. Why question me? Ask
those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.”
In America we might say Jesus was pleading the 5th, but he was certainly
telling the truth. He didn’t hold secretmeetings or conventions. There was
no conspiracyafoot. Jesus taughtopenly and publicly. He taught in the
countryside. He taught in the towns and villages. He even taught at the
synagoguesand at the temple in Jerusalem. Thousands upon thousands of
people heard him teach. And what he taught was only truth. Why not ask
any of those people what Jesus saidand taught? Theyall would say the same
thing.
This was a statementmeant to cause Annas and company to stop and think.
What were they doing here? Why were they doing this? Had Jesus ever done
or said anything wrong? If they actually had hard evidence againstJesus,
why weren’t they using it? And if they didn’t have hard evidence against
Jesus, why were they conducting an illegaltrial?
Jesus’words didn’t cause them to stop, but his words certainly did prick their
conscience. Theydidn’t like this, and one of the officials took action. “When
Jesus saidthis, one of the officials nearby struck him in the face. ‘Is this the
way you answerthe high priest?’ he demanded.” This strike to the face is

29. quite striking itself. Jesus’words should have struck their hearts and made
them repent. But insteadthey hardened their hearts and struck Jesus in the
face.
Rather than retaliate, Jesus hadmore words that should have causedthem to
stop and think. “If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what
is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?” Jesus only spoke
the truth. This was a trial. Did they not want Jesus to speak the truth? Did
they not want Jesus to have witnesses testifying to his behavior and character?
Did they not want to know if Jesus was reallyguilty or innocent?
No, they didn’t. Their hearts were hardened againstJesus and againstthe
truth. That meant Jesus was guilty to them and they wouldn’t even consider
anything otherwise. So seeing that he didn’t make any progress, Annas was
done with Jesus and his phony pre-trial. “Then Annas senthim, still bound,
to Caiaphas the high priest.”
God save us from ever having such hard hearts! For surely Satan will try.
He’s goodat being bad. These were God’s ownchosenpeople, the Israelites.
Their long-promised and long-awaitedMessiahwas standing right in front of
them, truthfully and clearly speaking aboutwho he is and what he came to do.
Yet Satanstill was able to convince them to close their ears and refuse to listen
to God and his Word.
He will try the same thing with you. Jesus will tell you plain as day who he is
and what he teaches. The truth is very clear. Jesus says very clearly, “I am
the wayand truth and the life.” Couldn’t be any more clear. Yet Satan
chisels awayat our hearts, trying to convince us that there are other ways,
that there is different truth, that there is a better life to offer. He wants me to
buy into believing that I’m the centerof the universe, not Jesus. WhateverI
think is the right way to live, that’s the way. WhateverI think is truth, that
must be true (that’s calledpostmodernism today). Whatever I think is a good
and happy life, that must be my goal.
Love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength? Love my neighbor
as myself? Deny myself and take up my cross to follow Jesus? Setreasonand

30. logic and science aside to let Scripture speak foritself? That can’t be right!
That can’t be true!
There are many moments of weaknesswhere I buy the lies. Jesus speaks
truthfully and clearly on the pages ofScripture—just as truthfully and clearly
as he did on trial. But in sinful weaknessmy stubborn heart simply refuses to
see or hear the truth.
But here’s where we are different than the Jews at this phony pre-trial with
Annas. We have faith. So when the words of Jesus strike atour hearts and
arouse guilt, as they are doing now, unlike those Jews we fall to our knees in
repentance. We see our guilt. We confess ourguilt. We beg for mercy. And
Jesus does not disappoint. He delivers with his patient love.
The most striking thing about these verses this evening is actually not the blow
to Jesus’face. It’s that Jesus was willing to remain silent, take the
punishment, and go on to die for those very hardened sinners. Speaking
about these sinners, the other Jews, the Romans, and even about you, Jesus
said from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are
doing.” Then he went on to not only ask for our forgiveness but to actually
accomplishit by dying for our sin. Yes, the most striking part of this short
moment of the passionis the most striking part of the entire story. Jesus
willingly suffered and died for sinners.
See the Savior againthis evening. See The Body of Christ in His Passionwith
Face Slappedin Mockery. See the bold rebellion and unrepentant hearts. But
see the Savior speaking the truth clearlyand plainly. Listen to him. Believe
him. Repent, and give thanks for his greatlove and forgiveness.
AMEN
https://ctkpalmcoast.wordpress.com/2016/03/10/the-body-of-christ-in-his-
passion-face-slapped-in-mockery/
Below are other texts where the face of Jesus was abused.

31. John 19:3 And they went up to Him again and again,
saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and slappingHim in
the face.
Matthew 26:67 Then they spit in his face and struck
him with their fists. Others slappedhim
Matthew 27:30 They spit on him, and took the staff
and struck him on the head again and again.
Mark 14:65 Then some began to spit at him; they
blindfoldedhim, struck him with their fists, and said,
“Prophesy!”And the guards took him and beat him.